K-cups or regular: Top coffee brewers compared

The biggest way to save money on coffee is to brew it yourself, of course.

Consumer Reports tested several machines, so whether you brew it by the pot or are a K-Cup person, here are the best rated machines.

The Cuisinart Perfectemp was rated as the best drip coffee machines. It's brew performance is excellent, and the unit costs just $100.

The Kenmore Elite 12-Cup Stainless Steer Coffee Grinder and Brewer was the second best. It's convenient to use and features excellent performance. Also retails for about $100.

For those who like pod coffee makers, the two De'Longhi machines are top rated, including the Nescafe Dolce Gusto Genio and the Circolo models.

The big difference is in the price: the Genio costs $130, while the Circolo costs $180.

Starbucks Verismo is also rated near the top. The machine costs $150, and was excellent for the speed of getting that first cup.

Keurig fans should note that the 2.0 brewer was number 10 on the list.

It rated well, but not excellent like some of the others, plus the price at the top is $200.